Italy

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What do Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Pavarotti and Christopher Columbus all have in common? They’re trailblazers, of course, in their respective fields. But at the end of the day, they all hail from the southern European country of Italy. And they’re not alone. Italy is home to 61 million people—people who, past and present, have pushed the boundaries to create some of the world’s most awe-inspiring works of art, fashion, food, architecture, and music.

It’s no wonder, given the endless inspiration offered by the nation’s diverse landscapes, from the Alps and surrounding lakes in the north, to plains and hills where grapes and olives grow, and rugged, volcanic mountains in the south.

Map

History

Culture

Italian is the official language of Italy, however, it’s important to note there are several different dialects spoken depending on the region, some of which include—but aren’t limited to—Milanese, Venetian, Sardinian and Calabrian.

In Italy, there’s a cultural sacredness in both family and food. Elders are respected and honored, and extended families come together often. Special occasion or not, they take their time to carefully prepare each element of a meal—using local ingredients from farmers and vendors they likely know by name. Then, they savor each bite of those meals slowly, enjoying red wine or sparkling water, and one another’s company.

Italian artistic cappuccino in a bar of italy

A typical Italian breakfast is devoid of the eggs or bacon we may see in the US, and instead consists of coffee or cappuccino along with a brioche or another sweet pastry. Cappuccinos or lattes are reserved for morning pleasure only, and in fact, most Italians would think you crazy to drink them at any other time, especially with a meal. It is common to consume caffeine after meals later in the day, but at that point, it’s got to be espresso or macchiato.

Several small courses are incorporated into lunch and dinner, and usually start with a rice or pasta dish. Contrary to many Italian-American ways when it comes to food, it’s against “the rules” to consume bread before or alongside a pasta dish. You are “allowed,” however, to use a small piece of bread (“Fare la scarpetta”) to scoop up delicious sauce lingering on the plate at the end of a meal. A second course often consists of protein and vegetables, and if a salad’s on the menu, salad dressing, as we know it, won’t be. Instead, Italians use the finest olive oil and vinegar to combine themselves. A typical course may end with fruit or gelato, another source of Italian culinary pride.

People with Venetian Carnival mask in Venice

Italians celebrate several major Catholic holidays such as Christmas and Easter, but right up there with them is Carnevale. For centuries, towns big and small across Italy drop everything in the days leading up to Lent, to cook and share great food, dress up in masquerade, dance and enjoy parades.

Italy is the birthplace of opera and in a country with such a strong national identity the genre’s music and drama holds its cultural significance and popularity today. Sports also play a big role in Italian culture, and favorites to participate in and watch include soccer, cycling, rugby, car racing and skiing.

Now take our quiz on Italian history and culture. Viva L’Italia!

Italy

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Question 1 of 10

1. Question

What year did Italy become a united country?

1500

1946

1861

1126

Correct 1 / 1 Points

Italy became a united country in 1861. It has had a cultural and social influence on Europe and the Mediterranean for thousands of years.

Incorrect / 1 Points

Italy became a united country in 1861. It has had a cultural and social influence on Europe and the Mediterranean for thousands of years.

Question 2 of 10

2. Question

What is the likely origin of the name “Italia”?

a legendary king by the name of "Italus "

from an Oscan (one of the earliest Italian civilizations) word, Vitelie, which means land of many cows

It was given the name by Caesar Augustus.

Correct 1 / 1 Points

Incorrect / 1 Points

Question 3 of 10

3. Question

Which of the following is NOT a civilization that once existed in what is now Italy?

Celtic

Villanovan

Magna Graecia

Etruscan

Correct 1 / 1 Points

Ancient Italy was once home to Villanovan, Graecian, and Etruscan civilizations. The Celts were a part of what is now Ireland.

Incorrect / 1 Points

Ancient Italy was once home to Villanovan, Graecian, and Etruscan civilizations. The Celts were a part of what is now Ireland.

Question 4 of 10

4. Question

Which pair of twins are the legendary founders of Rome?

Castor and Pollux

Tegan and Sara

Romulus and Remus

Correct 1 / 1 Points

According to legend, twin brothers Romulus and Remus founded Rome in 753 BC. It was then ruled by seven kings who fought to systematically expand their territory.

Incorrect / 1 Points

According to legend, twin brothers Romulus and Remus founded Rome in 753 BC. It was then ruled by seven kings who fought to systematically expand their territory.

Question 5 of 10

5. Question

Which Italian city was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance?

Florence

Milan

Como

Venice

Correct 1 / 1 Points

The Italian Renaissance developed in the Tuscan city of Florence, and was a rebirth of art and culture that had been forgotten during the Dark Ages in Europe.

Incorrect / 1 Points

Question 6 of 10

6. Question

What event had a major influence on post-Renaissance Italy?

the discovery of America by the Italian Christopher Columbus

The Black Death

the wars between various city-states

Correct 1 / 1 Points

The Black Death, or plague, repeatedly struck Italy through the 17th century and had a major influence on the population.

Incorrect / 1 Points

The Black Death, or plague, repeatedly struck Italy through the 17th century and had a major influence on the population.

Question 7 of 10

7. Question

When did the Vatican become an independent state within Rome?

1861

1920

1929

Correct 1 / 1 Points

Vatican City was created in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty, which allows it to remain an independent city-state surrounded by Rome.

Incorrect / 1 Points

Vatican City was created in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty, which allows it to remain an independent city-state surrounded by Rome.

Question 8 of 10

8. Question

Which form of government existed in Italy after unification in 1861?

Monarchy

Democracy

Theocracy

Correct 1 / 1 Points

Italy was officially a Monarchy from 1861 until 1946 when the Italian Republic was created.

Incorrect / 1 Points

Italy was officially a Monarchy from 1861 until 1946 when the Italian Republic was created.

Question 9 of 10

9. Question

On which side was Italy’s Facist government under Mussolini during WWII?

the Axis

the Allies

Correct 1 / 1 Points

The Italians sided with the Axis powers in WWII, which led to their defeat.

Incorrect / 1 Points

The Italians sided with the Axis powers in WWII, which led to their defeat.

Question 10 of 10

10. Question

Who is the current elected leader of Italy?

Giuliano Amato

Matteo Renzi

Romano Prodi

Correct 1 / 1 Points

Matteo Renzi won the 2014 election. He is the youngest prime minister in modern Italian history.

Incorrect / 1 Points

Matteo Renzi won the 2014 election. He is the youngest prime minister in modern Italian history.